Direct Visualization for Syndesmotic Stabilization of Ankle Fractures

2009 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 419-426 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna N. Miller ◽  
Eben A. Carroll ◽  
Robert J. Parker ◽  
Sreevathsa Boraiah ◽  
David L. Helfet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fragment Size ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Direct Visualization ◽  
Malleolar Fracture ◽  
Fracture Fragment ◽  
Posterior Malleolus ◽  
Fracture Dislocations ◽  
Axial Ct ◽  
Open Fixation ◽  
Attention To Detail

Background: Ankle fractures with syndesmotic injury treated via standard trans-syndesmotic fixation have a high percentage of syndesmotic malreduction. 10 We established a protocol involving both direct syndesmosis visualization and meticulous tibial incisura reconstruction via the posterior malleolus fracture fragment, when present, via the attached, intact PITFL, then compared this with historic controls to assess improvement after this type of syndesmosis reconstruction. Materials and Methods: One hundred forty-nine consecutive direct visualization patients were treated prospectively with either open posterior malleolus reduction and fixation, regardless of fragment size (“PM”: 38 patients), or, with no posterior malleolar fracture, open fixation with locked syndesmotic screws (“S”: 97 patients); fracture-dislocations combined both fixation types (“C”: 16 patients). The syndesmosis was opened and debrided in all. All patients had preoperative MRI and postoperative CT. Distances between the fibula and anterior and posterior incisura facets were measured on axial CT. An incongruent joint was defined as an A-P difference greater than 2 mm. Our historic controls were 25 patients previously fixed via indirect, fluoroscopic reduction and syndesmotic screws. Results: In the direct visualization group, 24 ankles (16%) had incongruity, compared with 13 controls (52%). The average difference between anterior and posterior colliculi measurements between PM and C was significant ( p = 0.017). Conclusion: Malreductions were significantly decreased in the direct visualization group. However, our reduction sometimes remains imprecise, even with direct visualization and attention to detail. Also, posterior malleolar reconstruction was more accurate than syndesmotic screw fixation in our study.

scholarly journals The Clinical, Radiologic Outcomes of Indirect Anteroposterior Screw Fixation for Posterior Malleolar Fracture in Rotational Ankle Fractures: Comparison with Syndesmosis Fixation

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011419S0027
Author(s):  
Sunghyun Lee ◽  
Hoiyoung Kwon
Keyword(s):  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Fragment Size ◽  
Fracture Repair ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Posterolateral Approach ◽  
Malleolar Fracture ◽  
Syndesmotic Screw ◽  
Posterior Malleolus

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: The posterior malleolus is an important soft tissue attachment for the posterior inferior syndesmosis ligament. Recent studies suggested that direct fixation of a sizable posterior malleolar (PM) fracture through posterolateral approach would act to stabilize the syndesmosis and minimize or eliminate the need for trans-syndesmotic fixation. Indirect anteroposterior (AP) screw fixation was an alternative method, which represent relatively low complication. However, there were few studies to evaluate the stability of syndesmosis after indirect anteroposterior screw. The purpose of this study was to define the rate of syndesmotic instability after anteroposterior screw fixation and to compare to the clinical and anatomical outcomes with indirect reduction without fixation. Methods: We performed a retrospective review between 2009 and 2015 of consecutive patients who underwent surgery with sustained rotational ankle fractures including PM fractures. The exclusion criteria included age <18 years, diabetic neuropathy, tibial pilon fractures, previous ankle fracture repair and not available at minimum 1 year follow up. After the fibula and medial malleolar fracture fixation, the PM was fixed with an AP screw, leaving some of relatively smaller and indirect reduced PM fractures unfixed. Patients were sorted into 2 groups according to the presence (group F) or absence (group N) of AP screw fixation of PM. Then, both groups were divided according to the intraoperative necessity of syndesmotic fixation. The demographics, PM fragment size and syndesmosis widening comparing intact ankle on CT at 1 year postoperatively were recorded for each fracture. The functional outcomes were assessed with the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). Results: A total 126 patients met the study inclusion criteria and underwent analysis. Syndesmotic fixation was required in 17 of 78 (21.8%) and 24 of 88 (72.7%) in group F and N, respectively (p=0.012). Postoperative and follow-up FAOS scores were similar in the four subgroups. The tibiofibular distance on CT was greater in the patients without syndesmotic screw fixation in group F and N (p=0.036 and 0.021, respectively). Conclusion: Indirect AP screw fixation of the PM fracture in rotational ankle fractures might be support syndesmotic stability and, thus, lower the rate of syndesmotic fixation. Also, these patients have functional outcomes at least equivalent to outcomes for patients having syndesmotic screw fixation. However, in AP screw fixation group, syndesmosis widening was evaluated without syndesmosis fixation, which could be resulted in degenerative arthritis change. Therefore, our data demonstrate that indirect AP screw fixation of PM fracture alone could not restore syndesmotic stability perfectly.

scholarly journals Stability of Ankle Fracture–dislocations following Successful Closed Reduction

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-63
Author(s):  
Robert D Zura ◽  
Andrew P Matson ◽  
Cynthia L Green ◽  
Shepard R Hurwitz
Keyword(s):  
Closed Reduction ◽  
Ankle Fracture ◽  
Fragment Size ◽  
Articular Surface ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Operative Intervention ◽  
Fracture Fragment ◽  
Posterior Malleolus ◽  
Loss Of Reduction ◽  
Fracture Dislocations

ABSTRACT Introduction Following successful closed reduction, the ideal timing of operative fixation for ankle fracture–dislocations is not well understood. We sought to describe the rate at which initial reduction is lost between the Emergency Department (ED) and clinic visits, and to identify factors associated with loss of reduction. Materials and methods We identified 30 patients with isolated, closed ankle fracture–dislocations that were successfully reduced and splinted in the ED prior to operative intervention. The maintenance of reduction at follow-up clinic visit was defined as a success, and loss of reduction was defined as a failure. Results There were 17 (57%) successes and 13 (43%) failures. When the ratio of posterior malleolus (PM) fracture fragment size to complete articular surface was >0.1, rate of failure was 65% compared with 18% when the ratio was ≤0.1 (p = 0.016). Conclusion Ankle fracture–dislocations with a larger PM fracture fragment size may warrant consideration of earlier operative intervention. Level of evidence IV, Case Series. Matson AP, Green CL, Hurwitz SR, Zura RD. Stability of Ankle Fracture–dislocations following Successful Closed Reduction. The Duke Orthop J 2017;7(1):58-63.

Factors Affecting the Clinical Outcomes of Surgically Treated Ankle Fractures Associated with the Posterior Malleolar Fragment

2021 ◽  
Vol 111 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Kuyumcu ◽  
Emre Bilgin ◽  
Hasan Bombacı
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Fragment Size ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Foot And Ankle ◽  
Ankle Osteoarthritis ◽  
Posterior Malleolus ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Functional Scores ◽  
The Mean

Background This study was performed to determine the factors that influence the clinical outcomes of surgically treated ankle fractures associated with the posterior malleolus (PM). Methods We evaluated 42 fractures of 42 patients. Posterior malleolus fracture size was calculated using computed tomography. Posterior malleolar fractures with a size less than 10% were left nonfixated. The decision for larger fragments was performed using fluoroscopy following the fixation of other components. If the joint was found to be congruent, the PM was left nonfixated. Otherwise, the PM was reduced and fixated. Clinical outcomes were evaluated based on Weber, Freiburg, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores. Ankle osteoarthritis was determined according to the Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society classification. The effect of PM fixation, age, PM fragment size, waiting period before surgery, presence of ankle dislocation, and number of injured malleoli on clinical outcomes were assessed. Statistical significance was set at a value of P &lt; .05. Results The mean patients age was 48.5 ± 14.9 years (range, 20–84 years) and the mean follow-up was 23.7 ± 8.6 months (range, 12–56 months). Fixation of the PM was performed solely in 12 patients. Postoperative displacement of the PM and articular step were less than 2 mm in all fractures. Statistically significant worse outcomes were demonstrated based on functional scores in the patients with a PM size greater than or equal to 25% (P = .042, P = .038, and P = .048, respectively) and in patients aged 60 years or older (P = .005, P = .007, and P = .018, respectively). However, there was no significant difference between functional scores and the other factors. Ankle osteoarthritis was observed at a higher rate in patients with PM size greater than or equal to 25% and in patients aged 60 years or older. Conclusions Clinical outcomes of the patients are mainly influenced by the patient's age and PM fragment size. However, if the tibiotalar joint is congruent, comparable results can be obtained in PM fixated or nonfixated patients.

scholarly journals Screw Fixation of the Posterior Malleolus Fragment in Ankle Fracture: Cadaveric and Clinical Studies

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011419S0026
Author(s):  
Gisoo Lee ◽  
Chan Kang ◽  
Yougun Won ◽  
Jae Hwang Song ◽  
Byungki Cho
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Ankle Fracture ◽  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Articular Surface ◽  
Cannulated Screw ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Neutral Position ◽  
Early Recovery ◽  
Malleolar Fracture ◽  
Posterior Malleolus

Category: Ankle, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Previously, a posterior malleolus fragment (PMF) covering 25–30% of the articular surface was a known indication for surgical fixation for ankle fractures. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of screw fixation for PMF comprising <25% of the articular surface and to evaluate the results of cadaver experiments. Methods: The clinical study enrolled ankle fracture patients with PMFs who planned to undergo surgery between March 2014 and February 2017. Among them, 62 with type 1 PMF comprising <25% of the articular surface were included: 32 patients underwent cannulated screw fixation for PMF after fixation for lateral and/or medial malleolar fracture (A group), whereas the other 30 patients underwent internal fixation for lateral and/or medial malleolar fracture but no screw fixation (B group). Clinical outcomes were determined at the 3-, 6-, 12-, and 18-month visits. Additionally, cadaver studies were conducted to evaluate cannulated screw fixation or no fixation in cases of PMFs comprising <25% of the articular surface and >1 mm displacement. Ankle joint stability was measured under external torque on the ankle in the neutral position. The level of significance was set at P < .05. Results: Clinical outcomes at 6 and 12 months after surgery were significantly higher in group A than in group B. However, there was no significant intergroup difference in clinical outcomes at 18 months of follow-up. In the cadaver study, PMF screw fixations were significantly more stable under external rotation force. Conclusion: Screw fixation was significantly useful during early recovery and in short-term clinical outcomes owing to stabilization of ankle fractures with PMF involving <25% of the articular surface.

scholarly journals Posteromedial Fracture Fragment of the Posterior Malleolar Fracture: A Closer Look

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011419S0021
Author(s):  
Gavin Heyes ◽  
Amir Reza Vosoughi ◽  
Malwattage Lara Tania Jayatilaka ◽  
Benjamin Fischer ◽  
Andrew P Molloy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Planning ◽  
Injury Pattern ◽  
Computed Tomography Scan ◽  
Malleolar Fracture ◽  
Fracture Fragment ◽  
Fracture Patterns ◽  
Posterior Malleolus ◽  
Trimalleolar Fractures ◽  
Ankle Trauma ◽  
Tomography Scan

Category: Ankle, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: To date, there have been no studies describing the characteristics of posteromedial fragment in the posterior malleolus fracture. The aim of this study was to investigate the variability of posteromedial fracture fragments in trimalleolar fractures to enable better surgical planning. Methods: In our department, data on all ankle fractures treated surgically are prospectively collected on our internal database. We collated data from August 2014 to October 2018 for this study. All Mason and Molloy type 2B fractures from our database were identified to analyse the preoperative computed tomography scan. The morphology of the fracture fragment was categorized on whether the fracture appeared to be an intraarticular pilon fragment (i.e. caused by impaction of the talus) or an avulsion extraarticular fracture (i.e. caused by the pull of a ligament). The fracture fragment characteristics were analysed for both the posteromedial and posterolateral fragments. Results: The fracture patterns of the posteromedial fragment were investigated in 47 cases (mean age, 46.6; 11 male, 36 female). Morphologically, the fracture could be divided into 2 subtypes, 1) a large pilon type intra-articular fragment (mean of X axis: 32.97 mm, Y: 30.69 mm, Z: 31.74 mm) present in 29 cases with mean Interfragmentary angle of 32.09 and back of tibia angle of 32.66 degrees. This was seen in 25 out of 27 cases with supination injury pattern. 2) A small extra-articular avulsion fragment (mean of X axis: 9.56 mm, Y: 13.22 mm, Z: 11.53 mm) present in 18 cases with mean Interfragmentary angle of 10.97 and back tibia angle of 10.06 degrees. It was seen in 80% of pronation injuries. Conclusion: The posteromedial fragment of posterior malleolus fracture can be morphologically subtyped into an avulsion type and pilon type variants. The avulsion type is more common in pronation injuries, likely the result of the pull of the inter-malleolar ligament, and the pilon type is more common in supination injuries, likely the result of the rotating talus impaction. Due to the intra-articular involvement, the pilon type should undergo fixation to achieve articular congruity, unlike the avulsion type whose function is only a secondary syndesmotic stabiliser.

scholarly journals The Lateral Trans-Malleolar approach for Posterior Malleolar Fracture of the Ankle: A Clinical and Computed Tomography Evaluation

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0046
Author(s):  
Masanori Taki ◽  
Naohiro Hio
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Articular Surface ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Direct Visualization ◽  
Malleolar Fracture ◽  
Aofas Score ◽  
Posterior Malleolar Fracture ◽  
Posterior Malleolus

Category: Ankle; Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Posterior malleolar fracture reduction including the articular surface of trimalleolar ankle fracture has been reported to be an important prognostic factor. The lateral trans-malleolar approach (LTA) is a surgical approach that provides direct visualization of the articular surface of the posterior malleolus. We herein report the clinical results and computed tomography (CT) findings for the articular reduction status after LTA for posterior malleolar fracture of the ankle. Methods: Sixteen patients (9 men, 7 women, mean age 52.6+-18.1 years old) who underwent the LTA for posterior malleolar fracture of the ankle and were followed for at least 1 year were evaluated retrospectively. The types of ankle malleolar fracture according to the Lauge-Hansen classification were Supination-External rotation (SER) in 13 patients and Pronation-External rotation (PER) in 3 patients. The CT classifications of posterior malleolus fracture by Haraguchi were Type 1 in 6 cases, Type 2 in 10 cases and Type 3 in 0 cases. The AOFAS score, post-surgical complications and reduction status of the posterior malleolus on CT were investigated. Results: The mean follow-up period was 15.5 months. The AOFAS score was 93.0+-5.2 points. Postoperative complications were seen in one case of superficial infection; however, delayed union, nonunion and fibular necrosis were not observed. The articular step-off in CT improved significantly after surgery (5.9+-2.9 mm preoperatively vs. 0.6+-0.8 mm postoperatively). The 2 patients who showed an articular step-off exceeding 1 mm were both Haraguchi type 2 posterior malleolar fracture. Conclusion: Several approaches for managing posterior malleolus of the ankle have been reported. However, few provide direct visualization to the articular surface. The LTA requires relatively substantial invasion, but it can facilitate surgery in the supine position and thereby reduce the articular surface directly. In our experience, the LTA provided favorable clinical results and fracture reductions. Even when utilizing the LTA, it remains difficult to confirm the fracture reduction of medial articular surface for Haraguchi type 2 medial extension fractures. Therefore, it remains important to also perform appropriate intraoperative X-ray controls.

scholarly journals Outcomes Following Nonoperative Treatment of Isolated Posterior Malleolar Ankle Fractures

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011417S0001
Author(s):  
Fred Finney ◽  
Andrew Kuhn ◽  
Shahin Sheibani-Rad ◽  
Paul Charpentier ◽  
James Holmes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Normative Data ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Foot And Ankle ◽  
Fracture Fragment ◽  
Malleolar Fractures ◽  
Posterior Malleolus ◽  
Clinical Series

Category: Ankle, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Ankle fractures are common injuries, however isolated posterior malleolar fractures are rare. Axial loading of the foot in hyper-plantarflexion is thought to be the most likely mechanism of injury for this fracture pattern. Management of isolated posterior malleolar fractures presents challenges for clinicians, and controversy exists over surgical indications. The literature to-date examining isolated posterior malleolar fractures is scarce and confined to case reports and small clinical series. Recommendations for surgical treatment are based largely on biomechanical studies and not clinical evidence. The purpose of this study was to assess outcomes in a series of patients, who were consecutively treated nonoperatively for isolated posterior malleolus ankle fractures. Methods: Outcomes of patients with isolated posterior malleolus fractures who were all treated nonoperatively at two academic teaching hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. The size of the posterior malleolar fracture fragment was measured on lateral ankle radiographs, and clinical outcomes were evaluated using the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Foot and Ankle Survey. These scores were then compared to published normative data from the general population via independent t-tests. These same outcome measures were then correlated with the size of the posterior malleolar fragment via Spearman Rank Correlations. Results: A total of 28 patients (17 male, 11 female) were retrospectively reviewed. The average size of the posterior malleolus fragment was 16.0% (Range: 2.0-59.5%) of the tibial plafond articular surface. The average follow-up duration was 2 years and 7 months. At follow-up, the average “Foot and Ankle Core Score” and “Shoe Comfort Scale Score” were 90 (±11.2) and 80.0 (±28.9), respectively. When these scores were compared to normative data from the general population, no significant differences were found (Foot and Ankle Core Score: p=0.234, Shoe Comfort Scale: p=0.276). There was also no significant association between these scores and the size of fracture fragment. At follow-up, no patients demonstrated signs of instability, dermatological complications, malalignment of the mortise or post-traumatic arthritis. Conclusion: This is the largest study to date evaluating outcomes of isolated posterior malleolus fractures in patients treated nonoperatively. This series of 28 patients with isolated posterior malleolar fractures managed nonoperatively demonstrates short- to mid-term functional outcomes that are no different than reported normative data for the general population. These findings are consistent with previously reported clinical outcomes and suggest that nonoperative management is a viable treatment option for isolated posterior malleolar fractures.

Predisposing Factors for Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis After Malleolus Fracture Fixation in Patients Younger Than 50 Years

2021 ◽  
pp. 107110072110500
Author(s):  
Jong Seok Beak ◽  
Yeong Tae Kim ◽  
Sung Hyun Lee
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Articular Surface ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Fracture Dislocation ◽  
Posttraumatic Arthritis ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis ◽  
Posterior Malleolus

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors for posttraumatic osteoarthritis (OA) after surgery for ankle fractures in patients aged ≤50 years. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent surgery for ankle fractures and were followed up for a minimum period of 5 years. The patients were assigned to 2 groups according to the presence of advanced OA at the last follow-up. Binary logistic regression was used to model the correlation between risk factors and OA. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score. Results: The data of 332 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. The overall rate of posttraumatic arthritis was 27.7% (nonarthritis group: 240 patients, arthritis group: 92 patients). The arthritic change was significantly affected by BMI (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29-19.76; adjusted odds ratio [OR] ≥ 30, 6.56), fracture-dislocation injury (CI 1.66-11.57; adjusted OR, 4.06), posterior malleolus (PM) fracture (CI 1.92-12.73, adjusted OR > 25% of the articular surface, 5.72), and postoperative articular incongruence (CI 1.52-18.10; adjusted OR, 7.21). The mean scores of the arthritis group were lower than those in the nonarthritis group ( P < .05). Conclusion: Obesity, fracture-dislocation injury, concomitant large PM fracture, and articular incongruence were risk factors of posttraumatic OA after surgery for ankle fractures. Surgeons should be aware that accurate reduction is critical in patients with ankle fractures with associated large PM fractures, especially those with obesity or severe initial injuries such as fracture-dislocation. Level of Evidence: Level III, case control study.

Functional Outcomes After Fracture-Dislocation of the Ankle

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Direk Tantigate ◽  
Gavin Ho ◽  
Joshua Kirschenbaum ◽  
Henrik C. Bäcker ◽  
Benjamin Asherman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Ankle Fracture ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Fracture Dislocation ◽  
Wound Complications ◽  
Pain Subscale ◽  
Fracture Dislocations

Background. Fracture dislocation of the ankle represents a substantial injury to the bony and soft tissue structures of the ankle. There has been only limited reporting of functional outcome of ankle fracture-dislocations. This study aimed to compare functional outcome after open reduction internal fixation in ankle fractures with and without dislocation. Methods. A retrospective chart review of surgically treated ankle fractures over a 3- year period was performed. Demographic data, type of fracture, operative time and complications were recorded. Of 118 patients eligible for analysis, 33 (28%) sustained a fracture-dislocation. Mean patient age was 46.6 years; 62 patients, who had follow-up of at least 12 months, were analyzed for functional outcome assessed by the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). The median follow-up time was 37 months. Demographic variables and FAOS were compared between ankle fractures with and without dislocation. Results. The average age of patients sustaining fracture-dislocation was greater (53 vs 44 years, P = .017); a greater percentage were female (72.7% vs 51.8%, P = .039) and diabetic (24.2% vs 7.1%, P = .010). Wound complications were similar between both groups. FAOS was generally poorer in the fracture-dislocation group, although only the pain subscale demonstrated statistical significance (76 vs 92, P = .012). Conclusion. Ankle fracture-dislocation occurred more frequently in patients who were older, female, and diabetic. At a median of just > 3-year follow-up, functional outcomes in fracture-dislocations were generally poorer; the pain subscale of FAOS was worse in a statistically significant fashion. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level III

scholarly journals Ankle Fracture Complications in the Elderly

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011418S0038
Author(s):  
Andrew Polk ◽  
Brian Buck ◽  
Michael Robertson ◽  
James Cook ◽  
Courtney Felton
Keyword(s):  
Geriatric Patient ◽  
Patient Population ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Geriatric Population ◽  
Fracture Dislocations ◽  
Operative Fixation ◽  
Time From Injury

Category: Trauma Introduction/Purpose: In the geriatric patient population, pre-existing medical conditions and poor bone quality often make operative fixation of unstable ankle fractures and fracture-dislocations more challenging. The objective of this study was to characterize the complications that occurred following operative fixation of these injuries at our institution and to determine whether complication rates were higher in our geriatric patient population (65 years and older) as compared to our younger patient population. We hypothesized that complication rates in the geriatric population would be significantly higher relative to complication rates in the younger population. We also hypothesized that in elderly patients, the soft tissue envelope would be less forgiving and require significantly more time for swelling to decrease to a level considered appropriate for definitive surgical fixation to occur. Methods: With IRB approval, a review of medical records for patients diagnosed with ankle fractures or fracture-dislocations and operated on between January of 2015 and December of 2016 was performed. Major complications were defined as any adverse outcomes requiring further surgical intervention such as irrigation and debridement for infection or exposed hardware, nonunion, major hardware failure, or amputation. Minor complications included other adverse outcomes which did not require further surgical intervention such as wound dehiscence, loss of reduction, or delayed union. Data were compared for statistically significant (p<0.05) differences. Results: Medical record review produced 110 patients meeting criteria for inclusion with a mean follow-up of 179 days (range, 0 to 601 days). No significant (p>0.08) differences were noted in rates of major, minor, or total complications between geriatric and younger patients treated at our institution (Fig. 1). An analysis of patient characteristics, demonstrated a significantly (p=0.035) higher proportion of trimalleolar ankle fractures within the geriatric population, but the proportions of other injury types were not significantly (p>0.198) different between age groups. Prevalence of tobacco use, alcohol use, illicit drug use, or diabetes mellitus was not found to be significantly different (p>0.058) between age groups. No significant (p=0.12) difference was found in time from injury to definitive surgical treatment between age groups. Conclusion: Complication rates following operative treatment of ankle fractures and fracture-dislocations were not significantly higher in our geriatric patient population, although the incidence of minor complications in the geriatric population was markedly increased relative to the younger population. A lack of significant difference in time from injury to definitive surgical treatment between age groups suggests that geriatric patients may not require a prolonged time for soft tissue swelling to decrease prior to surgery. Further study with a larger sample size is needed to determine if these findings are clinically significant.

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